It's one thing the Calgary Flames are doing their best to accomplish, however, as they prepare to face the St. Louis Blues at the Saddledome Monday night.

"When you go through periods of time like this, there's a lot of negativity around -- and that's probably all warranted," head coach Brent Sutter said, alluding to the recent mood in the city and in the media.

"But it does weigh on guys."

Knowing this, the players are attempting to get past the conflict and sourness that inevitably overtakes teams during serious slides.

"We're trying to pull each other together here right now and turn this thing around and make this a team that becomes closer," said Craig Conroy. "Sometimes when you have all this negative stuff, it does pull you closer, and it makes you more positive. Instead of giving a guy grief if he makes a mistake, pick him up, help him out. You don't want to beat a dead horse.

"We've had some practise, had a few arguments, and now we've turned that around and we're looking to go in the right direction."

BLUES NEW SINCE CHANGE

As if three games decided by a goal isn't enough for the Flames to appreciate the St. Louis Blues this season, the team has been solid for the most part since parting ways with head coach Andy Murray Jan. 2 amid a monster losing streak that rivals the Flames' current one.

"They've been playing really well," said Flames winger Rene Bourque. "I'm sure they're getting some good coaching. A fresh change, new attitude on their team."

PAIR PUT ON IR

Nigel Dawes and David Moss were both placed on injured reserve this weekend with leg and shoulder injuries, respectively.

They were joined in the stands Sunday by winger Jamie Lundmark, who watched practice during what head coach Brent Sutter called a "maintenance day." Sutter expects Lundmark to be available for Monday's game.